Exclusive: Parlour backs ‘balanced’ Arsenal for overdue Premier League glory
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has backed his former club to put years of hurt and near misses behind them and go on to lift the 2025/26 Premier League title.
In an exclusive interview with Odds Now, on behalf of NetBet Sports Betting, the former England international states that the Gunners squad now has the perfect balance across all positions.
Arsenal have enjoyed a positive start to the season, with the team sitting in first place in the Premier League table on 33 points from 14 league games. Mikel Arteta's men are 5 points clear of second-placed Manchester City and are available at 4/9 with BetMGM to win the league title this season.
The Gunners have also been performing well in the cup competitions so far. The side have retained a 100% record in the UEFA Champions League, including a recent 3-1 dismantling of Bayern Munich at home. A Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at home to Crystal Palace also awaits later this month.
A cornerstone of the club's success this season has been their resilient defence. Arsenal have kept 15 clean sheets in 21 competitive matches this season. The club have also become synonymous with scoring goals from set-pieces, having bagged 10 set-piece goals in the league.
However, Parlour feels the team isn't just about a solid defence and set-piece goals. The man affectionately known as the "Romford Pele" said, "I always say the bookmakers don't often get these things wrong, so it's good to see Arsenal as favourites in both the Premier League and Champions League markets.
“Of course, the club have never won the Champions League, and it’s now been 21 years since a Premier League win. So they can’t get ahead of themselves. It’s just a case of buckling down and ticking the games off.
“Of the two competitions, it’s the Premier League where I feel most confident. We have a lead now, and the most balanced squad I’ve seen for a long time. There’s so much quality in the group now and a lot of players in top form, with a few still to come back from injury."
There is evidence that Arsenal are now benefiting from a recruitment strategy that was focused on adding strength in depth across several positions. In recent weeks, Arteta has seen Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, and Cristhian Mosquera all pick up injuries.
However, the likes of Ben White, Mikel Merino, Piero Hincapié, and Gabriel Martinelli have stepped up to the plate in their absence to keep the victories ticking over. This depth of quality will be crucial with the upcoming hectic festive period.
Parlour said, “Games come thick and fast over the Christmas period, so they just need to keep going and then see how the League stands in January. Maintaining or even extending the lead between now and New Year’s Day would be huge.
“You have to say the teams in behind look shaky. Liverpool have surprised me and need to pick up form badly. Manchester City and Chelsea are the two I’m worried about, but it’s just a case of keeping them at arm’s length so it doesn’t become too nervy."
There is no denying that Arsenal have been the stand-out team across Europe so far this season. The club's form, both domestically and in European competition, has sparked talk of a potential treble. Betway are offering 44/1 on Arsenal to win the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup this season.
Parlour wasn't going to be drawn into speculation about Arsenal's end-of-season prospects, but he did admit that he was feeling optimistic about his former club's chances of enjoying a successful campaign on all fronts.
Parlour added, "The Champions League is different as it's a trophy the club really wants to win. But with a knockout competition, you never know. From the games so far, we have to be considered among the main favourites. Nobody is going to want to draw Arsenal in the latter stages.
"There is such a long way to go. We're only in November, and there’s about two-thirds of the season still to come. But I have to admit I am getting excited now."
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
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